Abstract

An account of the pearl oyster resources with a brief note on
biology, collection methods, seed production and conservation and
management in the Indian subcontinent is dealt with in this paper.
Both in the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Mannar, the population
does not show improvement. Conservation and management of this
important resource in the light of the present R&D carried out by
the CMFRI is discussed. Enhancement of the wild stock through the
production of genetically improved seed in the hatchery and ranching
them to selected beds and close monitoring of the physico-chemical
and biological factors over a period of time is suggested. Farming
of oysters on the natural beds can enhance the pearl quality
and may form a breeding reserve.